Galaxy must prepare to go without 2 stars at times

CARSON, Calif. 
The Los Angeles Galaxy, which came within penalty kicks of winning the MLS Cup last year, will have to learn to compete without its two biggest stars if it is going to remain a contender.

Landon Donovan, who scored 12 goals as the league's most valuable player in 2009, will start in Saturday night's season opener against the New England Revolution. Donovan returns from a successful 10-week loan with Everton.

But Donovan also will play a major role for the United States in the World Cup and will miss time with the Galaxy as a result. Donovan will join the U.S. squad in May for preliminary exhibitions before traveling to South Africa.

David Beckham, meanwhile, could miss the entire season with a torn left Achilles' tendon that will keep him from playing in his fourth World Cup for England.

Those absences, combined with the age of veterans Eddie Lewis, Chris Klein, Jovan Kirovski and Clint Mathis, mean opportunity - and pressure - for such young players as Chris Birchall, Bryan Jordan, Mike Magee and Michael Stephens.

"It's been a surprise to us how he has fit in so well so early," Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said of Stephens, a first-round draft choice from UCLA.

Edson Buddle also must increase his offensive output. Buddle scored five goals in an injury-marred 2009, a year after amassing a career-high 15 goals.

"I think staying healthy is important," said Buddle, who missed 11 league games because of foot and calf injuries. "Once I'm able do that and stay on the field, I think the opportunities will be there. It's just up to me to put them away."

Defensively, the Galaxy appears solid behind goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts and a back line featuring Omar Gonzalez, the MLS rookie of the year in 2009, World Cup veteran Gregg Berhalter and Todd Dunivant. Those four helped the Galaxy concede just 31 goals last year, compared to 62 in 2008.

Adding to the Galaxy's depth are three young Brazilians acquired on loan from perennial power Sao Paulo: defenders Alex Cazumba and Leonardo, and midfielder Juninho.

"Honestly, it feels like they've been a part of our team for a long time," Donovan said. "When you have a nucleus like we do now, you can fit pieces in quite easily."

That nucleus will provide the foundation for any success the Galaxy might have this year, Donovan said.

"This is my first time in all the years I've been here that we've had almost the same team back," said Donovan, who joined the Galaxy in 2005. "I think it makes a big difference. I think there's a lot of good things for us to come this year."